Comparison between jaw thrust maneuver and transillumination in intubation facilitation by flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope

Fiberoptic endotracheal intubation is a professional procedure in anesthesiology and recommended for patients with unstable cervical spines or difficult airways، and could be done with the aid of facilitating maneuvers and combination of techniques. In this study، we compare jaw thrust maneuver and transillumination in oral intubation with flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope. Materials and methodes: 91 patients candidated for elective surgeries were divided in 3 groups. After induction in similar way، they were intubated with flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope. We used jaw thrust and tongue traction maneuver in group one، transillumunation with inspection through bronchoscope in group two and the last group was intubated using transillumunation without inspection. Intubation time was calculated from insertion of bronchoscope in the mouth until the end of intubation and connecting the capnograph to tracheal tube. Hemodynamic responses such as systolic pressures، diastolic pressures، the MAP and heart rate before and after induction and every minute for 5 minutes were recorded.

Mean duration time in third group are smaller than the others، but is not different between group one and two. Mean of all hemodynamic parameters decreased during a period of time، similarly in the group.

According to shorter duration of time with similar hemodynamic responses in transillumination technique، this maneuver can be considered as an alternative technique in fiberoptic intubation.